National

Ex-SEC Chief Opposes Plan To Boost Fed Powers

4:00pm July 16, 2009

The Obama administration wants to expand the powers of the Federal Reserve as part of its efforts to overhaul the financial regulatory system. Former Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman William Donaldson, who opposes that plan, says the Fed should focus on monetary policy.

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Gary McKinney, a city official for Anderson, Ind., walks toward an abandoned GM plant.

Skeletons Of The Auto Industry Linger Across U.S.

3:05pm July 15, 2009

In all, 21 Chrysler and General Motors plants will be closed permanently or idled over the next few years. In addition to the loss of thousands of jobs, the closures can mean a substantial drop in tax revenue for affected communities. Some cities converted the vacant auto plants into other businesses in an attempt to reinvent their economies.

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Charities Lament 'Cash For Clunkers' Program

4:07pm July 14, 2009

When Congress passed a new law to give people up to $4,500 to junk their old cars and buy new, more efficient ones, the auto industry cheered. But some charities say they'll be the unintended victims of this program, and so will the low-income people they try to help.

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Two homeless men outside of a downtown Phoenix center for the homeless.

In Phoenix, Homeless Battle Summer Heat

4:00pm July 11, 2009

Summers in Phoenix can be long and lethal for those who can't escape the heat. Those who live in it say the heat makes them irritable, disoriented and unable to eat. Even at night, the temperature can hover in the lower 90s.

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National

Palin's Resignation Leaves Alaskans Reeling

12:27pm July 08, 2009

Alaskans say they were as shocked as the rest of the nation when Sarah Palin announced last week she was resigning as governor. Her approval ratings have dropped since last year, and many Alaskans who voted for her expressed dismay at her decision.

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Can Expanding Food Stamps Jolt The Economy?

12:18am July 07, 2009

Some economists say the additional $20 billion allocated to the federal food stamp program is a smart way to boost spending in a recession — especially with 4.8 million new people getting aid. But critics say a real economic kick-start will take a lot more money.

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Thomas Jefferson's Natural Passion

8:28am July 05, 2009

Thomas Jefferson was the third president of the United States. He was an architect, an inventor and a statesman. But his passion was nature. Host Liane Hansen visits Monticello, Jefferson's primary residence on a mountaintop in Virginia, and tours Jefferson's magnificent gardens.

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Thomas Jefferson's Natural Passion

8:28am July 05, 2009

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Some Stimulus Money Preventing Homelessness

8:00am July 05, 2009

by Pam Fessler

Homeless programs are about to get a big push in a new direction. They used to focus on providing food and shelter. Now, the economic stimulus package is providing $1.5 billion to prevent people from becoming homeless and to quickly re-house those who do.

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Some Stimulus Money Preventing Homelessness

8:00am July 05, 2009

by Pam Fessler

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